Spin-a-thon raises $125K for children's charities

Local residents spinning for six hours on stationary bikes recently generated more than $125,000 for local charities.

Organizers of the fourth annual Spin-a-thon recently presented the donation checks to Kids In Distress and the Children's Diagnostic & Treatment Center.

The Spin-a-thon was organized by the Marine Industry Cares Foundation, an umbrella group of maritime companies whose members volunteer their time at local charities and focus on fundraising for families and children, said Mole Telfer, board chairman.

"It's bringing the marine industry together to make a difference for local needy children and families," Telfer said. "I've been amazed at the generosity and support of the community."

The Spin-a-thon involved 75 teams continuously pedaling away on 75 donated bikes on the stage at Esplanade Park in Fort Lauderdale. During its first three years, the fundraiser resulted in about $200,000 donated to KID.

"Then we realized we could share the love, so we chose the CDTC for the work they do in the community as well," Telfer said.

The foundation, which was formed two years ago, plans to donate $75,000 of the Spin-a-thon proceeds to KID and $50,000 of it to the CDTC. The foundation also plans to reserve $10,000 from the Spin-a-thon for future charitable donations, such as a scholarship fund, Telfer said.

The CDTC has served the community for almost three decades by providing evaluations and referrals for service for children with delays in physical, cognitive, communication, social, emotional or adaptive development. That includes children with AIDS, autism, cancer, limb deformities and other special health concerns.

KID also has been helping children for 30 years. Once known largely for its emergency shelter for abused and neglected children, KID has evolved by providing a variety of services, including a preschool program, foster care, adoptive services, counseling, and dental and optical exams through a partnership with Nova Southeastern University.

"We're evolving into a family service agency and family resource center," said Mark Dhooge, KID's president and CEO.

Telfer and other volunteers recently donated time laying floors and other construction work to remodel part of the KID campus in Wilton Manors as part of the Lifetime Channel's "Designing Spaces" show. KID is scheduled to be featured on the Aug. 2 and 9 shows.

"[The foundation] is probably one of the most dedicated and committed foundations out there because of their personal involvement," Dhooge said.

Added Telfer, "Once you go there, you can't help but get involved. It's amazing the work they do."